Acupuncture Schools in South Carolina

Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine practiced in China for over two thousand years. It involves the use of thin needles that are inserted into the skin and then manipulated in any of several ways. In theory, acupuncture stimulates the flow of chi (alternately spelled ki or qi), which is sometimes referred to as the “life force” of a person. Chi is said to flow through the body on various meridians, and the needles are strategically inserted along these meridians to balance or stimulate the flow of chi.

Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments; some of the most common are back pain, depression, headaches, addiction and tennis elbow. Only a licensed acupuncture professional can administer acupuncture; a license requires a master’s degree in acupuncture.

Prerequisites for Entering an Acupuncture School

Most acupuncture schools require at least an associate degree, and some require a bachelor’s degree, especially in healthcare. However, any bachelor’s degree will suffice to enter an acupuncture school, as long as you’ve taken the proper prerequisite courses. Prerequisites vary from school to school, so you should check the schools you’re interested in for their prerequisites.

In general, you’ll want to take courses in biology, particularly human biology. Other helpful courses include psychology, physiology, basic science, health and nutrition. Because many acupuncturists start a private practice, you might consider taking courses in business.

Master of Science in Acupuncture

Most master’s level programs in acupuncture require 3-4 years to complete. During this training, students learn to find meridians on the body and to inject the needles in the proper way to produce the desired effect. For example, one common technique is to inject a needle into a nerve pathway to produce a muscle spasm that will relax the muscle. Students also learn other techniques, like moxibustion, that don’t involve needles.

Job Opportunities

As an acupuncturist, you might have opportunities to work in health clinics, hospitals and veterinary clinics, or you can start a private practice. According to acupuncturistsalary.org, the average salary of in South Carolina is $46,477, with an average starting salary of $38,276.

Logan is a non-profit university founded in 1935. Logan University has remained grounded in chiropractic education, while continuously enriching academic options with degree offerings in health sciences since 2012.